Chief of Staff, R&D

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic collaborator for both the CPO and CTO, influencing the R&D leadership agenda and preparing them for interactions with the board and executive teams.

• Oversee the operational teams that manage the R&D operating rhythm (including meetings, reviews, and quarterly planning) and ensure the tracking, reporting, and alignment of R&D OKRs with the overall company strategy.

• Serve as the first point of contact for escalations and meeting requests, determining which issues require direct leadership attention and which can be resolved asynchronously.

• Develop and uphold the R&D operational dashboard, converting data on delivery velocity, capacity, and staffing into clear narratives that facilitate decision-making.

• Lead critical, ambiguous initiatives (such as organizational design or AI operating model developments) across the R&D portfolio.

• Act as the main point of contact and collaborator for FP&A, overseeing the overall budget governance for Engineering, Product, and Design.

• Highlight trade-offs by presenting options, costs, and recommendations to the CPO and CTO, making prioritization decisions highly transparent.

• Collaborate with People and Finance on the joint R&D hiring strategy, capacity model, and senior onboarding processes.

• Compose and manage key R&D communications, ensuring a cohesive voice across executive memos and board presentations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 12 years of experience in areas such as strategy, operations, management consulting, product management, or a previous Chief of Staff position, preferably within a high-growth or public B2B SaaS organization.

• More than 5 years of direct people management experience.

• Extensive knowledge of R&D organization operations – including the product development lifecycle, product, design, and engineering organizational structures, capacity planning, and the interplay between roadmaps, resource allocation, and business outcomes. While you don’t need to have been an engineer, you should be able to confidently interpret architecture diagrams, capacity models, and P&L statements.

• A demonstrated ability to influence VP-, SVP-, and C-level executives without direct authority over the organizational chart.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills – capable of drafting board materials and presenting to senior leaders, articulating complex topics clearly and proactively.

• Strong operational and analytical discipline: you create repeatable processes and maintain a high standard of accuracy and accountability.

🏝️ Benefits

• Premium medical, dental (high/low plans), and vision (Eyemed) insurance through BCBSIL for you and your eligible dependents.

• Complete, complimentary access to Modern Health for you and your dependents, including coaching, therapy sessions, and digital wellness resources.

• 401(k) plan featuring a 50% company match on your initial 6% of contributions (totaling a 3% match).

• 100% employer-covered Life and Disability insurance for your peace of mind.

• A flexible PTO policy, enhanced by additional company-wide Rest & Recharge days throughout the year.

• Up to 16 weeks of paid leave for new parents to assist you in growing your family.

• An annual $1,000 USD Lifestyle Spending Account to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

• A one-time $550 USD stipend for setting up your home office, along with a monthly $50 USD stipend for internet expenses.

• 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year, plus a $100 annual match for your charitable contributions.

• Access to pre-tax commuter benefits, subsidized childcare/elder care (via Care.com), discounted pet insurance (through Figo), and complimentary personalized financial wellness support via Your Money Line.